About the House: Tanks for nothing

Human health and well-being are the primary reasons for building codes.

Comment

By Rob Kinsey

Sturgis Journal - Sturgis, MI

By Rob Kinsey

Posted Feb. 1, 2013 at 1:00 PM

By Rob Kinsey
Posted Feb. 1, 2013 at 1:00 PM

I heard a couple of things recently that had negative outcomes for home sales. The sellers didn't sell and the buyers didn't get the home they wanted, all due to elements none had foreseen.

One involved an older house with well and septic systems. Although country homes have long required these systems to be habitable, the rules of design and placement have evolved.

Human health and well-being are the primary reasons for building codes. That same health and well-being is behind the design, placement and use of water wells and the treatment of wastewater from the home.

For a long time, the state has determined rules and requirements, and has been responsible for issuing permits for drilling wells and placing septic systems. One edict from the state has been that these systems will be at least 50 feet apart. That has not always been the case, however, and quite often people just do what they want anyway, despite the rules.

Well, it seems that some federal government programs for financing many home mortgages now will not back loans unless current placement rules are followed.

It doesn't matter what the rule was when the system was installed; they want it done now, before they'll back a loan. A recent sale fell through because of costs associated with moving one of the systems.

Another example I had never encountered concerns a federal requirement that a government-backed home loan will not cover a house located within 500 feet of an underground fuel storage tank.

I was told this came up even though the house has been near the gas station for many years. No water tested, no soil samples taken: no loan given, period. The fact this happened surprised everyone when the deal fell through.

Sometimes it rules and regulations intended to improve life get in the way and hinder things. I've not tracked down the specific rules regarding either of these situations, but I have a feeling these two aren't the end of it.

It's good to have high health and safety standards. But I'm sure everybody involved with these sales would rather it hadn't happen on their deal. You just never know what is going to happen About the House.

Rob Kinsey has been a licensed builder for 25 years and is a home inspector with more than 15 years of experience.